How to better protect yourself from the health effects of wildfire smoke – CBC

Experts suggest planning, even after the air clears

Jun 06, 2023

As climate change intensifies and prolongs the hot, dry conditions for wildfires to thrive, Canadians can expect more summers of smoky skies. With that smoke, come serious potential health consequences for everyone, including children, older Canadians and people with pre-existing health conditions.

CBC News spoke to several health and climate experts who say that with proper planning, those risks can be mitigated. But it requires action before, during and even after the smoke clears.

Before you head out
A first step, say experts, can be to check the air quality forecast before stepping out the door.

“What you can do is watch the AQHI, the Air Quality Health Index, and think about modifying your activity,” advised Samantha Green, a family physician at Unity Health Toronto and incoming president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.